The Marshfield Fairgrounds are a staple on the south shore. Visitors from all over the state come for events ranging from massive concerts like the Levitate Music Festival to Car Shows and Farmer’s Markets. On Saturday the historic venue will host a different kind of event.
The Marshvegas Classic aims to bring a different kinds of race experience for runners. One that is not often seen at the high school level but known well around the world and at the professional level. When you watch the World Cross Country Championships you will find runner’s dealing with obstacles more formidable than a patch of pavement or the occasional rocks and roots. Runners must hurdle barriers and trek through water pits that are thick with mud. It’s rare that you find competitors finish with shorts and singlets clean.
The Marshvegas Classic will feature all that more. The loop course will have hay bales runners will need to maneuver over. There will be a water pit that they can either run through or do their best Kenneth Rooks impression and attempt to clear. There will also be live music and plenty of opportunities for spectators to cheer their teams on.
9:00am: Boys Frosh 1.5 Miles
9:15am: Girls Frosh 1.5 Miles
9:35am: Boys JV 2.3 Miles
9:55am: Girls JV 2.3 Miles
10:15am: Boys Varsity 3.1 Miles
10:40am: Girls Varsity 3.1 Miles
Boys Preview
With this being the inaugural race, Saturday will provide an opportunity for one team to raise the trophy for the first time and set the standard for years to come. Given the race’s location, it’s no surprise that the race may end up being a Patriot League Battle.
Pembroke and Plymouth South field two of the strongest teams. South has strung together multiple years of success, and this year is no exception. Last weekend on the Vineyard may have been below the standard they’ve set but expect them to show up this weekend with league bragging rights on the line. Likewise, Pembroke will want to make a statement before the teams meet later in the season.
However, #14 North Andover may be the team to watch this weekend. They’re coming off a strong relay performance in Newburyport, and now have the chance to show what they can do in a traditional race. The Brookline boys don’t appear to be fielding their entire Varsity squad, but don’t count them out. This could be a chance for the Warriors to demonstrate their exceptional depth.
In the individual race, watch for Nathan Palmieri of Pembroke. The junior was 13th at the Meet of Champions last season and looks to continue a strong legacy of great distance runners from Pembroke. Anthony Lyons of Plymouth South could challenge for the win. On the track he may focus on the middle-distance races, but he was seventh at the Division 2A race last season. Don’t count out hometown hero Tucker McNamee. After a strong junior year on the track, it’s his turn the lead a resurgent ram’s squad.
Girls Preview
In the Girls race, the Rams will look to defend their home turf. They’re coming off a win against Hingham in their first dual meet of the season. They’re the defending Patriot League Champions and the Marshvegas Classic is a great place to assert they’re ready to defend the crown.
Boston Latin Academy comes to town after winning the JR/SR race at the MSTCA Relays. Like North Andover in the boy’s race, this is a great opportunity to show what they can do on a 5K course with a full team.
In the individual race, fans will want to keep an eye on Gabrielle Holdsworth of East Bridgewater. While only an eighth grader, she has already built a worthy resume that makes her one of the prerace favorites. Last season she was 12th at the Meet of Champions, and comes in with an 18:49 5K PR.
Sara Blanco of Boston Latin Academy will look to lead her team to victory by winning the race herself. She comes into 2025 with a 18:56 5K PR and was 10th at the Meet of Champions last season. One of her most impressive performances was winning the open race at NXR Northeast.
Also watch out for Sarah Penney of Marshfield. She was seventh at the Patriot League Championships last season and looks to lead the Rams this season.
There is an X factor on Saturday. Most of these runners, if not all, have never run a race like this. Any race with adverse conditions provides an opportunity for someone to take advantage. One key storyline will be how runners’ approach and handle the course. While this may not be Northfield Mountain in terms of difficulty, it presents its own challenges that will need to be met and conquered.
